Springfield businesses are encouraged to register with www.springfieldzoom.com so consumers can find out the status of their favorite local businesses and their services in one, easily searchable, website. Registration is free and easy.

Restaurants Allowed Alcohol Sales

As the City of Springfield Liquor Commissioner, Mayor Langfelder signed an order that will allow a package of unopened alcohol with takeout food orders. This order will benefit over 130 restaurants. Click here to read the Order.

Two days after submitting documentation demonstrating the impact of COVID-19 on more than 3,000 businesses across the state, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved Illinois' eligibility for disaster assistance loans for small businesses facing financial hardship in all 102 counties due to COVID-19. Don't wait to apply as this is usually first-come, first-served. Eligible businesses can apply for up to $2 million in low-interest loans at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/apply-for-disaster-loan/index.html.

This new program was introduced by Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs. The Program is an impact investment loan program under which the State Treasurer would make up to $250 million in deposits available to financial institutions throughout the state, at near-zero rates, to assist Illinois small business and non-profits negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this funding is to provide vital economic support to small businesses and non-profits throughout Illinois to help overcome the loss of revenue they are experiencing. Click here to find out more.

Hospitality Emergency Grant Program

A $14 million grant program supporting working capital as well as job training, retraining, and technology to support shifts in operation. Eligible applicants include bars and restaurants with a valid license to serve food or liquor and who generated revenues of less than $1 million in 2019 and hotels with a valid license (hotels, motels, other lodging establishments) and who generated revenues of less than $8 million in 2019. Bars and restaurants that generated between $500K and $1M in revenue in 2019 are eligible for up to $25,000, and bars and restaurants that generated less than $500K in revenue in 2019 are eligible for up to $10,000. Hotels that generated less than $8M in revenue in 2019 are eligible for up to $50,000.

 Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund

The Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund will offer small businesses low interest loans of up to $50,000. Businesses located outside of the City of Chicago with fewer than 50 workers and less than $3 million in revenue in 2019 will be eligible to apply. Successful applicants will owe nothing for six months and will then begin making fixed payments at a below market interest rate for the remainder of a five-year loan term.

Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program

To support small businesses in downstate and rural counties across Illinois, DCEO is repurposing $20 million in CDBG funds to stand up the Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program. This Fund will offer small businesses of up to 50 employees the opportunity to partner with their local governments to obtain grants of up to $25,000 in working capital. Local governments can apply on behalf of businesses with 50 employees or less. Only units of local government recognized by the Illinois Constitution and able to support economic development activities on a sufficient scale are eligible to apply for Economic Development grant funding. This includes cities, villages, and counties. Municipalities must not be a HUD direct Entitlement community or be located in an urban county that receives "entitlement" funds.

For complete details about these programs, click here.

The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce (GSCC) has created the Chamber Business Relief Fund to provide financial resources to businesses significantly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. GSCC has seeded the Fund with $15,000, and members of its Board of Directors have contributed more than $10,000 in less than 24 hours to establish an initial fund of over $25,000.

Businesses can apply for funding at www.gscc.org. The intent of the funding is to act as a bridge, a lifeline to assist with the long-term sustainability of the businesses applying for and receiving funding.

Tax-deductible contributions can be made to the fund by clicking the “Donate Now” button on www.gscc.org. People may also text “RELIEF” to 866.612.5378, or mail a check payable to The Greater Springfield Chamber Foundation to the GSCC.

Illinois’ COVID-19 Website

The State of Illinois launched a website focused on COVID-19 , which includes the latest news, prevention along with resources for individuals and businesses. The public is asked to check the site regularly for updates.

U.S. Legislation

The President signed HR6201 on March 18. Division C highlights the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act. To review the full the bill, click here.

Governor Announcements

• Emergency Small Business Grants & Loan Assistance
• Governor Issues Stay-At-Home Order
• Governor Announces Sales Tax Deferral for Bars & Restaurants
• Restaurants with "Combined" On & Off-Premises Liquor License Holders May Sell Packaged Alcoholic Liquor

As a follow-up to the federal government’s Families First Coronavirus Response Act, IR-2020-57 was introduced regarding Coronavirus-Related Paid Leave for Workers and Tax Credits for Businesses. If your business is looking at the possibility of laying off employees, this provision should be examined in conjunction with Governor Pritzker’s Executive Order issued on Friday, March 20.

The City of Springfield is closely following the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act is a document that has been created to help small business owners understand this bill better. Click here to read this guide.

Though it is not a government program, talking to your current bank is recommended if you are having any problems or anticipate any problems. As new programs become available, we will coordinate and send the information out. Most banks will handle concerns on a case by case basis. We spoke to almost all of our local and national lending institutions and they are all willing and ready to help.

• The Illinois Department of Employment Security has published Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 and unemployment benefits on their website. Read more of their helpful information here.
• The Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries is offering phone appointments for area employees who are off of work because of COVID-19. For more information, click here.
• Bartender Emergency Assistance Program

What Is Considered An “Essential Business”?

For questions and requests for guidance regarding application of the State of Illinois’ Executive Order to your business can be directed to the Essential Business Determination Hotline at 800.252.2923 or email CEO.support@illinois.gov.

You may also review the flow chart created by the State of the Illinois to better understand if your business is considered "Essential".

There are various resources available to business owners as they navigate through COVID-19. Following are helpful guides and resources available on the internet.

• COVID-19 Workplace Checklist
• Interim Guidance from the CDC
• Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace
• Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19
• OSHA’s guide to COVID-19
• Guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19
• What to know about ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and COVID-19

For local and state tourism related updates related to COVID-19, visit our Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau website.